Dedniel Nunez, Photo By Ernest Dove
No. 18 Dedniel Nunez, RHP
B/T: R/R Age: 23 (6/5/1996)
Height: 6’2” Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: International Free Agent in 2016 (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic)
ETA: 2021 Previous Rank: N/A
2019 Stats: 80 IP, 4.39 ERA, .239 AVG, 1.20 WHIP, 94 K, 2.91 FIP
Dedniel Nunez struggled to being his career with a 4.55 ERA over 85 innings in his first two pro seasons. He had allowed 89 hits and struck out 82 batters between rookie level Gulf Coast League Mets and Kingsport Mets. There was little to no buzz about him as a pitching prospect to look out for.
Then minor league camp in 2019 happened, he was creating quite a buzz. He was one of the first pitchers anyone wanted to talk about when asked who was standing out in camp. His fastball added a few ticks, his slider was getting more late break, and he had filled out his 6’2” frame (the 180 pounds noted above is wrong, but what is listed everywhere). This was enough for the Mets to have him skip Brooklyn and head to full season ball in Columbia.
The right-handed starter came out of camp backing up the chatter with 33 strikeouts compared to only three walks in 22 1/3 innings with the Fireflies. He held opponents to a .175/.224/.288 slash line while throwing strikes 70% of the time.
Nunez earned himself a quick promotion to the Advanced-A St. Lucie Mets. His ERA was high (4.53) there in 12 starts over 57 2/3 innings, though he had a 3.12 FIP (.339 BABIP) and allowed only three home runs. The Dominican still struck out 9.52 per nine innings as well and his overall 27.8 strikeout percentage (Kevin Smith second at 27.2%) was tops among 22 Mets minor league pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched last year. His 13.2 swinging strike percentage was tied for second best.
One thing to keep in mind with Nunez is that he pitched 80 innings in 2019, that doubled his career-high and was shutdown for the season in July. All indications are he’s 100% ready for spring training in 2020.
The velocity on his four-seamer was up to 96 mph this year, while sitting 90-93. It’s been noted for its high spin rate and vertical movement. His best secondary is a 11-5 curveball in the low 80’s that he has a ton of confidence in.
Third pitch is a changeup that he rarely throws given its inconsistent command and movement. Though, at times in 2019, I saw him get significant arm-side fade on his changeup. The development of this pitch will be a big key in whether his future is a starter or a reliever. Also mixes in a hard slider at 86-87.
Nunez has a good frame for a pitcher with strong legs and backside, he’s athletic on the mound and repeats his motion well. Uses a three quarter arm slot and has a consistent release point on all of his pitches.
Big reason for the success of Nunez in 2019 was his control (2.59 BB/9) and his ability to keep the ball in the park (0.56 HR/9).
I would expect to see Nunez start the season in the Double-A rotation.
Previous Rankings
19 Alexander Ramirez – OF
20 Ali Sanchez – C
